A SMALL Warwickshire firm is helping to keep alive the memory of the king of pop, Michael Jackson.

John Oliver, who runs the Merch Foundry in Nuneaton, was specially asked by Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine, to design and produce an award in her son’s name.

The result - inspired by the singer’s world famous glove - is the Michael Jackson Award For Outstanding Achievement In Expressive Arts.

John said the business in Attleborough is only a small company and they normally produce T-shirts for the music industry, but Mrs Jackson approached them last year about the award following the death of her son.

He said: “The trophy is a foot high cast metal hand, encrusted with crystals, reaching for and touching a crystal star.

“It was made in Hatton Garden in London – the capital’s jewellery quarter.

“I designed the piece according to Mrs Jackson’s wishes, and it depicts Michael’s trademark glove reaching for a star.

“The message is that anyone from any humble beginning can reach for and achieve great things.”

The first award winner was Saul Nash of specialist performing arts college Winchmore Hill School in North London.

The trophy is currently on display at the school and is a tribute to the work they do with young performers.

John said: “The trophy is a rather odd job for a T-shirt printers in Nuneaton to be given, but it comes off the back of our involvement with the music industry.”

The company recently worked on the Gladys Knight UK Farewell Tour and have produced tour merchandise in the past for Michael Jackson’s brother, Tito.

2010 will see the company involved with the Jackson family again.

They will be producing tour merchandise for the brothers as they reform for a Jackson reunion tour.

The company will also be working on other major music shows throughout the year, including the likes of Whitney Houston and Dionne Warwick.

John also met Tito Jackson when he was in the UK and he said how much he liked their work.

John said: “At The Merch Foundry, we’re still keeping our feet firmly on the ground though.

“We have just opened our new stall on Nuneaton’s Saturday Market, designing party tops, selling printed workwear and funny T-shirts.”